HC Deb 11 April 1889 vol 335 cc212-3
MR. BRADLAUGH

asked the Secretary of State for War if he would state the conditions under which the pensions of officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank and file could now be commuted; and whether the limitations of ago and number of years commutation differ in any rank, and in what respect?

'THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The commutation of officers' pensions is governed by the Pensions Commutation Acts of 1871 and 1872, and by rules issued by the Treasury and by the Secretary of State for War. The amount allowed is fixed by the Commutation Board according to tables, and depends upon the officer's age and state of health. No officer is permitted to commute so long as he remains liable for active service; he cannot commute more than half his pension, nor can he reduce his pension below £80 a year. The commutation of the pensions of non-commissioned officers and men is governed by 1st Will. IV., c. 41, and, subject to the recommendations of the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital, is allowed by the Secretary of State for War in cases in which the pensioners desire to emigrate. The amount payable in commutation is fixed by the Act at four years' purchase. Permission to commute in such cases is only granted where a pensioner is upwards of 50 years old and can be medically certified to be in good health. The terms of commutation for non-commissioned officers and men are now under the consideration of the Government, and it is hoped that it may be possible to amend the Statute.

MR. BRADLAUGH

Am I right in inferring that the rate of commutation for officers is at the present moment at least three and a-half times that which it is for the men?

*MR. BRODRICK

I cannot say what the exact amount is, but the matter is under consideration with a view to amending the terms.

MR. BRADLAUGH

Is it under consideration in view of the great inequality of the rate between privates and officers?

*MR. BRODRICK

It is under consideration with a view to improving the position of privates in the terms of commutation.